When entering the Balattou, one encounters a perplexing scene. Strangely angled mirrors outline the back of the stage, distracting one’s eyes towards a reflective fractal of musicians playing and a crowd seated in wonderfully curved little booths. The stage is framed by monolithic speakers, far exceeding the necessary decibel level for the room. Above remain mountings for what I’m fairly positive used to be erotic dance poles. The young crowd does not fit the place, drinking pina coladas and Molson Ex, layered in wool and leather, and topping toques.

Vice & Versa was the perfect setting for last night’s 5 à 7 performance. One can chat, sip any of their 32 beers on draft, and munch on deliciously pretty burgers or appetizers with friends. But this is not a review of Vice & Versa, but rather the band who played the quaint venue, Chairs.

I didn’t know what I was getting myself into when I was waiting in line for the Tegan and Sara show at Metropolis. I was familiar with their album Sainthood and actually saw them open for Paramore on their Honda Civic Tour in 2009. Since then, their sound and style have done a complete 180. When I saw that they were coming to Montreal, I bought a ticket without even thinking. I haven’t listened to any of their new stuff besides their hit song “Closer” from their last album Heartthrob. Now, touring and playing material from their eighth record Love You To Death I knew nothing and no one going.

Another edition of POP Montreal has come to a close, and it was a good 'un, folks. As the CJLO team grapples with things like "sleep debt" and "real life", we thought we'd take a moment to reflect on some of our favourite moments of the festival.

There are scores of shows at POP Montreal, more rare are the MOMENTS, when everything is beautiful, everyone is engaged, your throat tightens and you smile to yourself because you know that this is truly special. Leif Vollebekk's Friday night rooftop set was such a moment. Panoramic views over Montreal, gothic rooftops and the Mt Royal cross pushing up into the cloud line, the sun setting golden orange in the Montreal north. On a Persian rug island ringed with electric candelabra, Vollebekk sets up, invites the tiny crowd to pull near. What follows is a deeply intimate hour of music, Vollebekk alternately behind the keyboard and guitar, traffic from Parc Avenue offering the occasional punctuation.

Presented by POP Montreal

Presented by Evenko and POP Montreal

The music of L.A. Witch has a prowling, expansive, and gorgeously atmospheric quality that grabs the attention and enters your dreams. One can hear the influence of bands like Mazzy Star, or The Dream Syndicate and Opal from the '80s paisley underground scene in Los Angeles, but L.A. Witch's vibe is stripped down to the bare bones and sexier, with a more intimate grindhouse rocker vibe.

Presented by Greenland Productions

The first time R&B singer Gallant came on my radar was when one of the bartenders asked me to play "Weight in Gold" while I was DJing one evening. I played the track and had to get the album. After listening to Ology, I immediately became a fan and was super excited to see the show at Théâtre Fairmount, one of my favourite intimate venues in Montreal and walking distance from my home!

"Affinitour 2.0"

The night started off a little slow waiting in line since I arrived there around 5:00, and no one was really there as of yet since the doors only opened at 7:00. Luckily I had a spot secured in line so I could be at the front. I met a couple of people who we're really friendly and were excited to see Haken and Thank You Scientist. There were also a few people from the Facebook group Prog Snob that recognized me, which I find was pretty cool.